Technology lets toy firms spot fakes

Toy companies are being urged to consider adding microscopic details to products to beat fakers.

Microtrace has been producing ‘Taggants’ – unique materials added during the production process – for over 27 years. It can also add laser-marking to products to include patterns invisible to the naked eye, which help identify a counterfeit.

Now the US-based firm is eyeing the toy industry.

Taggants act as a unique ‘invisible’ fingerprint and can be applied to plastics, rubber, woven materials, packaging and more, making them suitable for certain toys.

“We have been seeing advancement in determination level and skill set of counterfeiters.” said VP Brian Brogger. “The best defence against counterfeiting is a multi-level program. We have, and will continue, developing taggant technologies and delivery formats to ensure our customers’ needs are met.”